A moment of contemplation for yourself or on behalf of others on everything from the life-altering to the mundane.Prayer: A conversation with The Higher Other who lives within each of us. An invitation to vent, to re-think, to ask, and to rest.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Prayers of the People: Once is Not Enough?, 14th Sunday after Pentecost

Seventy-seven times? So Jesus says we are to forgive those who sin against us, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." Sometimes forgiving once is the hardest part of my day. And, of course, I hardly ever pass judgment except on those who disagree with my perfect observations and opinions especially in an election year!

As for welcoming those weak in faith, I suppose being disheartened would count as weak and I am that at times. It seems, though, that when we get right down to it, the lessons remain clear - we must forgive as we are forgiven, judge not lest we be judged, and live and die in the Lord's honor. Oh how simply difficult. Okay then, it's a new week, the waters are parted, the road is before us, let's give it another go...

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE,
PRAY

Leader: ~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe,
we feel as if our world is drowning in the chaos of death, destruction, and rage.
Please save us from the slavery of fear and judgment and lead us together onto
Your dry ground, into a New Creation of tolerance and forgiveness.

Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord
of Mercy

RESPONSE: Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in
You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, answers of how to
act are often elusive in these difficult times in our world, our country, and
our community, but please guide us to press upon our political leaders the
urgency of calm and rational response to crises. We pray especially for:
add your own petitions.

Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O
Lord of Mercy

Let us have patience,
let us show mercy, let us live
in You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, let the waves of
illness, pain, and despair be parted for those who can no longer swim in hope.
Care for those who keep them afloat and help them feel again the warmth of Your
love. We pray especially for:

add your own petitions.

Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy

Let us have patience,
let us show mercy, let us live
in You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, stretch out Your
loving arms to give eternal comfort to those in mourning, and an everlasting embrace
for those now returned to Your infinite peace. We pray especially for:

add your own petitions.

Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy

Let us have patience, let us show mercy, let us live in
You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, we pause in this moment to offer You our
other heartfelt intentions and petitions, silently or aloud…

Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy

Let us have patience,
let us show mercy, let us live
in You, O Lord

~ Omnipotent God, Pillar of the Universe, impart Your
special care to our brothers and sisters anointed through Holy Orders and
entrusted to bring Your Word and Wisdom to us. Guide us all that we may grow
with each other in our worship, support each other in prayer, and give honor to
You in all of our actions. We pray especially for: add your own petitions.

Strengthen our faith when we are weak, O Lord of Mercy

Let us have patience,
let us show mercy, let us live
in You, O Lord

The Celebrant adds: O
God of wind and water and light in the darkness, in the midst of a world in anguish and turmoil, let us not lose sight of hope, the joy of new birth, and
the constant, perpetual, everlasting Presence of You, in every moment of every
day, in this life and in the next. We ask always through the blessings of Your
Son, Jesus our Christ and Your most Holy Spirit, who are alive with You, as One
God, now and forever. Amen.

Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.